Teeth can become stained from food, liquids, tobacco use, or poor dental care. But it’s usually a combination of one or all of these things that cause teeth to develop unsightly stains and discoloring.
The good news is that in many cases, stained teeth can be treated and whitened under the care of your dentist. Through professional dental treatments, even the toughest tooth stains can often be removed, resulting in white, bright teeth and a glowing smile.
Causes of Teeth Staining
One of the most common causes of staining in teeth is the foods we eat and the liquids we drink. Foods like berries, beets, soy sauce, and even tomato sauce can temporarily cause staining of the teeth, gums, tongue and even lips. And if these temporary stains are not quickly removed through brushing and cleaning, they can take hold and become more permanent.
Liquids that cause stains include coffee, tea, cola, and especially red wine. Even small amounts of these liquids can sometimes result in temporary stains. And like stain-causing foods, if brushing or cleaning doesn’t take place immediately after consuming these liquids, stains can linger.
Smoking and poor dental habits are another common cause of teeth staining.
How to Avoid Teeth Staining
The best way to avoid staining your teeth is to avoid the root causes. Don’t smoke or use tobacco products and avoid foods and liquids that cause staining. If you do consume stain-causing foods, make sure you brush immediately afterward. If possible, drink stain-causing liquids through a straw and only consume them in small amounts.
Brushing and flossing regularly can help prevent temporary stains from becoming permanent. Visiting your dentist also can help identify stains and remove them before they can take hold.
For bad tooth stains, your dentist can provide treatments such as whitening and bleaching. Even the worst teeth stains can often be removed through professional dental treatment.
